Hello everyone! I’m glad you’ve found your way to my very first blog post! Starting my fourth and final year at YHC has made me very nostalgic lately, and I would like to share a defining moment from my freshman year that initiated my everlasting love for Young Harris.

YHC wasn’t really on my radar when I began my college search. As a high school senior, I scheduled a visitation with little knowledge of the College besides the fact that my aunt attended YHC in the ’70s’s and it was a place that fostered many fond memories for my mom, her sister, and the rest of their family. Upon arriving for my tour, I was immediately taken aback by how beautiful the campus was. Tulips were in bloom everywhere I went—if you have been at YHC in the springtime, you know how colorful they make campus!) While on my tour, people I had never seen before were smiling at me and waving to me. Right away, the small, intimate feel of Young Harris wrapped me in, and I knew that this was where I needed to be.

When I arrived in the fall for classes during my freshman year, I knew one person—my best friend and roommate, Erica. The first week was a whirlwind of events. The Campus Activities Board always plans Welcome Week for new and returning students. One night, they had a huge inflatable screen blown up on the lawn and invited everyone to watch a movie under the stars. In addition, things were set up on the plaza in the middle of campus, and everyone came out to mingle. Although it was scary at first having to meet new people, I made friends who to this day still play a part in some of my favorite YHC memories.

After my first week of classes, we went up to Bell Mountain. It’s certainly a treacherous place to get to if you’re not careful because the road to the top has been worn down from many years of travel and rainwater. But, believe me, the hike is absolutely worth it. When we got to the top, I was amazed that I was still in the small area that surrounds the College. The view was breathtaking. Off in the distance, I could see YHC nestled into its protective valley and I knew that I could call this place my home.

I often think about my first week of school at Young Harris. It’s very bittersweet and hard to imagine this is my last year here. I’m determined to make it the best year yet and embark on adventures that will allow me try totally new things while I still can. This year, I’ll have a busy workload with organization meetings, classes and study sessions, but I know every bit of it will be worth it once Commencement comes in May.

It’s easy to get caught up in the wonders of Young Harris College. It’s such an amazing environment to be in with so much to offer, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you!